Examples Of Digression In Beowulf

Beowulf is a dramatic and passion filled story that captures the heroic deeds of a Geatish prince. While written in a Christian context, the actual poem presents a series of events that promote a pagan perspective through the intense and warrior- like qualities of the tribes within the area in which it is set. Digressions throughout the poem serve to enhance the vision that heroic acts of greatness were accomplished through constant battle. The writer of Beowulf uses digressions of historical points to insinuate past greatness and possible tragedy; they also suggest how Beowulf will overcome physical battles to increase his level of governance. Warlike behaviors dominated Beowulf’s storyline emphasizing male power. Historical digressions throughout Beowulf are …show more content…
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the sword was gory; he was glad at the deed” (1562- 1565, 1568)
The second challenge against Grendel’s mother may be deemed less dramatic, but it exudes masculine power. Choosing to use armor in a battle with a creature that was considered a woman radiates irony and the unfathomable idea that a woman could possibly avenge the life of her son.
War- like behavior is accepted in this time period; fighting a feminine creature deems a daunting light on their ability to fight for greatness. The last digression that Beowulf presents discusses past battles that Beowulf conquered. A melancholy tone is felt through the words on the page because it seems that Beowulf is describing the great things he did, rather than emphasizing the future battle that he must embark on. When speaking about the past, the narrator says “with such biting words of rebuke and reminder he taunts him at every turn; until the time comes when one sleeps blood- stained from the blow of a steel” (Beowulf 256- 268). A sense of foreshadowing is felt in this particular